A 13-year-old boy was critically injured in a San Francisco car accident after he was hit by an elderly driver while crossing a street in Hayward. According to a CBS News report, the major injury collision occurred late afternoon on February 7, 2010. California Highway Patrol officials said the boy was running across Hesperian Boulevard toward West A Street when he was struck by a 1976 Chevy Nova driven by an 84-year-old woman. The boy was about 30 feet outside of a crosswalk. The driver was traveling at about 35 mph and was not able to stop in time to avoid the collision. The teenager sustained major injuries including skull fractures, hip and internal injuries. He is still in critical condition and an investigation into the accident is ongoing.

My heart goes out to this boy's family who must be going through an extremely tough time. I hope and pray that this young victim recovers completely from his injuries although his road to recovery may be long and arduous. This child and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2007 traffic accident statistics, there was one fatality and 56 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Hayward. In Alameda County as a whole, 18 deaths and 591 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. However, it is also a pedestrian's responsibility to cross the street legally and safely.
Based on this news report, officials are saying that the boy moved suddenly across the roadway and that he was not in a crosswalk. However, if I were a member of the boy's family, I would want to know exactly what happened and why. What was the speed limit on that street? Was the elderly driver distracted or otherwise driving recklessly or inattentively? Was there any negligence on her part?

An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to analyze all aspects of this accident and make sure that the boy's legal rights are being protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether there was a dangerous condition on this roadway. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of an accident or injury.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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